Direct Infection

   During the Covid-19 phase 3 trials, test subjects who received the preliminary vaccine were instructed to continue their normal daily life until the end of the trial period. They would then be examined if they had contracted the virus to determine if the experimental vaccine had a positive or negative effect compared to a non-vaccinated group of test subjects.

   The problem with this approach is that the chances of the subject being infected by the virus is entirely dependent upon coming into contact with an already infected person. Which is not a 100% guarantee.

   Especially if the community was taking the necessary precautions against spreading the virus (e.g., face masks, keeping a proper distance, working remotely, etc.). If not enough subjects were infected then another trial period would commence which only further delays the urgent need for results during a viral outbreak.

   Instead of relying on a random chance of being infected, it may be better to directly infect the test subjects with the virus itself, either by injection or spray, to ensure that they were properly setup for the study. Direct injection would guarantee that the test subjects were infected with the virus, while a spray mist would simulate normal public conditions (as from a cough or sneeze), but at a lower contraction rate.

   If this was done, the third stage of vaccine development would be greatly improved which is essential for a rapid response during a global pandemic (e.g., phase 3 trial may be reduced from weeks/months to a single day).

Hospitalized Patients

   When the Covid-19 vaccine was determined that it was effective against the virus, the vaccine was administered in prioritized order (e.g., health care workers, first responders, etc.), but none was given to those who were already hospitalized with the virus.

   Having the policy to only administer the vaccine to healthy people could have cost some infected their lives. Even though the availability of the early vaccine was limited in number, there were enough of doses to cover both hospitalized patients and first responders during that time.

   The common reason why vaccines should not be administered to the hospitalized was that it may conflict or interfere with certain medical treatments. However, there was no proof or evidence to support this claim for Covid-19 infections. Just the opinion that vaccines should only be administered to healthy people to prevent the virus rather than treat it.

   Moving forward, it would be better to consider administering vaccines to hospitalized patients whenever possible to improve their chances of survival as well.